MEGHAN Markle is giving away 2,000 free copies of her children’s book The Bench to libraries and schools across America, it was announced yesterday.
The Duchess of Sussex, 39 said the 34-page story was based on a poem she had written for her husband Prince Harry for Father’s Day.
Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the latest updates
She dedicated it to him and son Archie, calling them: “The man and boy who make my heart go pump-pump.”
In a statement posted to Archewell, the Duchess said she has received the support of her publisher to send 2,000 free copies to libraries, community centers, and schools across the US.
The foundation is working with First Book – a non-profit organization that’s distributed more than 200million books to kids in low-income communities across America.
Organizations such as the Assistance League of Los Angeles will be among those to receive free copies of the book.
The non-profit charity has been operating in the city for over 100 years and aims to improve the lives of impoverished children.
It remains unknown if there will be a similar initiative in the UK.
Illustrations in the book give a fresh glimpse into the Sussexes’ “authentic” life at their LA home – featuring their newborn daughter Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.
They show her cradling her newborn in a vegetable patch as Prince Harry feeds chickens with Archie.
The book is currently ranked 14th in the list of best sellers on Amazon.com
Alex O’Connell, arts editor of The Times of London, said: “The story is so lacking in action and jeopardy you half wonder if the writing job was delegated to a piece of furniture.”
Sun book columnist Natasha Harding said The Bench “doesn’t live up to expectations”.
She said: “It’s too try-hard, woke and overly sentimental”.
The watercolors were created by award-winning artist Christian Robinson – accompanying Meghan’s words.
The mum’s pen name is given as: “Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex”. She will also narrate an audiobook of the tale.
Meghan said: “The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born. That poem became this story.
“Christian layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolour illustrations that capture the warmth, joy and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life.”
The Duchess said she hopes that The Bench resonates with all families across the country.
She said: “My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with me.”
Did you miss our previous article...
https://thecelebreport.com/royalty/britains-newest-33bn-aircraft-carrier-keeps-watch-in-carbis-bay-ahead-of-bidens-showdown-with-boris-johnson
